Quantitative research methods are a core element of the methodological tool kit of researchers in the social sciences. This course provides an introduction to the design of quantitative research projects and the collection of quantitative forms of social research data, and demonstrates how major research questions in social research can be answered using both primary and secondary data collection methods.
The course includes four sections:
(i) developing research questions and research designs
(ii) the design and conduct of social surveys
(iii) accessing and evaluating secondary data sources, and
(iv) an introduction to quantitative data analysis
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- generate testable research questions applicable to social research;
- design social surveys that can address an identified research question;
- identify and evaluate appropriate secondary data sources to address an identified research question;
- conduct basic statistical analyses of quantitative research data; and
- evaluate quantitative social research design.
Indicative Assessment
- Written essay: Research question identification and justification - 1000 words (20) [LO 1,5]
- Written report 1: Survey research methodology and questionnaire design - 3000 words (50) [LO 2]
- Written report 2: Evaluation and quantitative data analysis of secondary data - 2000 words (30) [LO 3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
de Vaus, D. (2013) Surveys in Social Research. Crows Nest: Allen & UnwinPreliminary Reading
Babbie, E. (2013) The Practice of Social Research. Belmont, California: Wadsworth
Dillman, D. (2007) Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, 4th Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 978-1-118-45614-9
Weisberg, H. (2005). The Total Survey Error Approach: A Guide to the New Science of Survey Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Assumed Knowledge
Student has completed a first course in survey data collection methods (such as SOCR8201) and is familiar with elements such as data collection modes, sampling, questionnaire design and measurement
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3630 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
